Intense Interest in Special Election
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KCBS) _ A special election in a state Senate district along California's Central Coast is producing intense interest, big campaign donations and even an endorsement from President Barack Obama.
Former Santa Cruz Democratic Assemblyman John Laird squares off with current Republican Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee in Tuesday's special election for the District 15 Senate seat.
Both are vying to replace Republican Abel Maldonado, who left the post to become lieutenant governor.
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"This is a seat that was considered achievable by Democrats, even though it was held by a moderate Republican," said Sacramento-based political consultant Leo McElroy.
But he said any ideas that Laird would walk away with the election were doused with cold water in the June primary.
"Blakeslee substantially outpolled John Laird in the voting, although he didn't quite get the majority that would have given him the win outright," said McElroy.
Tuesday's election is of great importance because if Laird were to win, Democrats would be within one vote of the two-thirds majority needed in the Senate to approve budgets and tax increases.
And McElroy said that's reason enough for both parties to spend tons of money on ads for the race.
